In its second year of offering stimulating daytime learning experiences for seniors, Explorations offers five varied courses this fall.
Historian Cindy Saperstein starts matters off on Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. at the Wellington Manor Clubhouse, with “Amazing Women Characters in American History,” a six-week course that will trace the often hidden and unrecognized contributions of American women from the 1600s and early Colonial times to 1900 and discuss how their contributions affect society today.
Later that day at 1 p.m., the scene shifts to the Pennington Presbyterian Church. Veteran genealogists Carol Sheaffer and Nancy Nelson offer another six-week course, “Genealogy, Researching and Preserving Your Family History,” designed for the intermediate researcher who needs help organizing materials already in hand, laying out a research program and preserving their findings for others to share now and in the future. Answering individual questions is an important part of the course.
On Oct. 5 at 1 p.m., at the Pennington Presbyterian Church, retired English teacher Larry Mansier is the course leader for, “Enjoying Shakespeare III,” a six-week interactive course that begins with the comedy, “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” moves on to Falstaff and young Prince Hal in “Henry IV” and concludes with the tragedy, “Julius Caesar.”
That afternoon at 4:30 at the Hopewell Railroad Station, Ian Burrow is the course leader for “Archaeology, the Search for Our Past,” a four-session course that will give an overview of what archaeology is, how it is done here in New Jersey and around the world and what it can tell us about the human past.
On Oct. 6 at 1 p.m., at the Pennington Presbyterian Church, Historian Stan Saperstein is the guide for an eight-week course, “The American Civil War.” The causes of the war will be discussed and battles reviewed with an overview of the tactics employed. Emphasis is placed on the history of the common soldier.
Fees are $30 for one course and $20 for each additional course. Make checks payable to Hopewell Valley Senior Foundation and send to Joel May, treasurer, Hopewell Valley Senior Foundation, 230 Jacobs Creek Road, Titusville, 08560.
All checks must be received by Sept. 27. Since notice of the classes is not received by potential participants at the same time, in all fairness a lottery will be held if a course is over-subscribed. A more detailed description of courses can be found at www.hvseniors.org. and is also being sent out with the upcoming issue of Senior Spirit.
Explorations is a volunteer organization underwritten by the Hopewell Valley Senior Foundation and sponsored by Hopewell Valley Senior Services. Courses are open to all older adults. All course fees go the Hopewell Valley Senior Foundation to pay for administrative costs, class materials and classroom space.
Any funds remaining after expenses will be used to finance programs and projects benefiting Hopewell Valley seniors.
